Operations Manager
Job Description
The Opportunity
Your technical background is more than what you know on the tools — it is the foundation for leading people, protecting standards and making confident operational decisions.
We are looking for an experienced technical professional ready to step into a senior leadership position within an established New Zealand operation. This role is designed for someone who has earned credibility through practical field experience and can now use that knowledge to guide teams, manage performance and keep complex work moving.
You will oversee technical delivery across multiple sites, working closely with technical, compliance and finance functions. From workforce planning and job performance to safety, scope control and client relationships, you will have a direct influence on how the operation performs.
For international professionals, this is an opportunity to have your experience assessed against a genuine senior-level position in New Zealand.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead technical field operations across multiple New Zealand sites
- Coordinate people, equipment and resources around scheduled compliance requirements
- Provide leadership to a geographically distributed technical team
- Maintain consistent technical, safety and service standards
- Monitor utilisation, job profitability and work in progress
- Match inspector capability and experience to operational requirements
- Ensure all work is performed within authorised and accredited scopes
- Take ownership of field health and safety performance
- Resolve complex client concerns and manage escalated issues
- Provide hands-on technical supervision when additional field support is required
- Work collaboratively with technical services, compliance and finance leaders
- Identify capability requirements and support workforce development
- Improve operational efficiency while protecting quality and compliance
- Support the wider business as it continues to grow
Requirements & Eligibility
- Demonstrated experience leading a technical, inspection or field-based team
- Strong practical background with genuine experience working in the field or on the tools
- Relevant trade or tertiary qualification
- Ability to plan and prioritise effectively in a fast-moving operational environment
- Understanding of utilisation, job costing, margins and work in progress
- Confident leadership style with the ability to maintain standards without micromanaging
- Strong understanding of technical scope, authorisation and compliance
- Experience working under ISO/IEC 17020 or ISO/IEC 17025 is advantageous
- Experience within electricity distribution or a comparable technical environment is advantageous
- Strong communication, problem-solving and client management skills
- Full driver's licence
- Willingness to travel between operational sites
- Relevant overseas experience will be considered
Special Instructions
Ability to meet New Zealand employment and visa requirements
Sponsorship & Employer Details
Location: Christchurch Central, Canterbury, New Zealand
Status: Accredited Employer (NZ)